Earlier today, I spent some time checking out other blog downloads but could not part with the tree theme. When I was a young girl, living on my father's farm, I spent much of my free time combing the wooded areas with my dog. I was the leader. Bruce, the dog, wandered some but always was earshot away. I chose the paths we took.
Then last night, I was reading Lysa Terkeurst's book, "What Happens When Women Say Yes To God". In one of her chapters, she repeats the story of Jesus directing Simon Peter and others to lay their nets into the water even though they had worked throughout the night with nothing in their catch. In obedience, yet not fully convinced, Peter followed Jesus' command and in return hauled such a catch that the nets "began to break".
Lysa then directs her teaching to Luke 5:10-11
"Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
When I finished the chapter I began writing my responses to the bible study questions that followed. One question inspired me the most...
"How does their response inspire you?"
Well the first word that popped into my head was "breathtaking".
So before I logged into my blog tonight I hit "breathtaking" into Google and took the definition from www.thefreedictionary.com site.
Breathtaking
1. inspiring or exciting
2. astonishing; astounding
syn: amazing, striking, exciting, brilliant, dramatic, impressive, thrilling, overwhelming, magnificent, sensational, awesome, and WONDROUS!
I took the day off today...a wintry mix left me too afraid to venture out. Some good did come from this though. I did nothing but relax, study, read and reheat leftovers.
This actually was a tough thing to do with Christmas so close away. I had guilt at first but realize now that this day of tossing all fears, all worry of what needs done away was good!
I apologized to God for being that ragamuffin kid with her dog, constantly choosing a new path. I need to have my sight on One, to complete the journey and follow!
I asked to see His "wondrous" son, Jesus Christ in a new light this Christmas season.
I pictured the three men who dropped all to follow Jesus. They saw the brilliance, the magnificent, the awesome.
Glorious! Glorious! He must had seemed!
To live this truth, day to day, is a Christmas wish for all!!!!
So.....I want to finish today's post with some belated Thanksgiving offerings.
*Great turkey!
*All the leftover's are gone!
*Outdoor lights are up! What a job! Actually took out the CD player and rejoiced with some holiday music to serenade us!
*Hey, our digital camera started working...pics to follow soon!
*Hubby did the dishes, while I slept! I was whipped last night! That actually is a prayer answered!!!! He usually doesn't help out around the house. Tomorrow he plans on helping me clean and decorate inside!
*Deer season...no school tomorrow...hey...in rural Pa. the school districts realize that attendance is very limited on the first day of hunting season!
*Lysa Terkeurst's book!
*Lots of board games and fun!
*Holiday DVD's!
*Christmas humming! Do it...it is good!
Thank you Father!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
It Really Is Beautiful!
Our digital camera is no more, so at 7:00 AM this morning my word will have to do.
Some trees are holding firm, limbs outstretched upward, carrying the burden of many inches of new fallen snow upon their strength.
Some are cast downward, the weight is just too heavy. I could run out there and make my neighbors ponder my sanity, and just start shaking those little trees and bushes wildly. The snow would fall away in wintry clouds, sparkling, twirling, it would be grand. But I am not.
In my heart, yesterday...I got quickly burdened then shook by God's love. I went to work, a half hour early, what a blessing, my van run in the afternoon was cancelled and I was able to leave work at 3:00. I actually did a happy dance to the Holy Spirit in the classroom. So I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for recognizing God on my heart earlier in the day.
Oh, you puffy girl! At 3:05 I realized a car in our driveway at work was having trouble navigating out. We both proceeded through 8 inches of the wintry stuff that had fallen and I was not so happy at her progression up the highway. It was slow. Immediately my mind self-centered itself..."you need to speed up", "we aren't going to make it up this hill".
Then it hit me, she's probably as scared as I am! She has out of state plates, farther to go. You selfish little girl, Carol! I made it home...sadly I don't remember if I even sincerely prayed for her safety.
When I got home, immediately I put the boots on and began the task of shoveling. There was so much snow that my car couldn't even make it fully to the garage. Earlier in the day, I had said how I love to shovel. Not yesterday though. I asked God why am I not enjoying this! Now I know.
That little crack in the armor. That attack of selfishness had hardened and dimmed the light of Jesus.
After I post this, I am going to grab myself a bottle of water, reboot...I have already been out once this morning to get hubby out since I now have a snow day and the kids are sleeping in. I heard a flock of geese, this morning at 6:00 AM, flying in the darkness of morning. It stirred in me God's awesome grace.
They are continuing on their journey. Since I could not see the flock, only hear their trumpets call in the dark, I am presuming they were in the traditional "V". Led by one as they continued on their flight.
My goal today is to think of the One, who has saved me by His gift of grace. To shake off the burden of selfishness. To reach my heart and arms upward, carrying the weight of others in prayer. To talk to God, to put my focus back on His will and not my own desires.
Now it's time to grab my i-pod and hit some CeCe and Kirk Franklin, reboot more than just my feet, but my heart. It's daylight now, a skier's delight! It's overtime money for some working to keep our roads clear, a blessing with Christmas so near. It's also time when, some, like me, just plain get scared.
Heavenly Father...forgive me, help those in need on the roads.
Your world is truly a beautiful sight to behold this morning!
Thank you again for a lesson learned. I am bowed in humbleness, but not broken.
Lord, you have made many here a hearty bunch...may those hearts turn to you and steer clear of the many dangers out there, not just on the roads, but also in the deceit that can quickly enter our minds.
Amen, Carol
Some trees are holding firm, limbs outstretched upward, carrying the burden of many inches of new fallen snow upon their strength.
Some are cast downward, the weight is just too heavy. I could run out there and make my neighbors ponder my sanity, and just start shaking those little trees and bushes wildly. The snow would fall away in wintry clouds, sparkling, twirling, it would be grand. But I am not.
In my heart, yesterday...I got quickly burdened then shook by God's love. I went to work, a half hour early, what a blessing, my van run in the afternoon was cancelled and I was able to leave work at 3:00. I actually did a happy dance to the Holy Spirit in the classroom. So I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for recognizing God on my heart earlier in the day.
Oh, you puffy girl! At 3:05 I realized a car in our driveway at work was having trouble navigating out. We both proceeded through 8 inches of the wintry stuff that had fallen and I was not so happy at her progression up the highway. It was slow. Immediately my mind self-centered itself..."you need to speed up", "we aren't going to make it up this hill".
Then it hit me, she's probably as scared as I am! She has out of state plates, farther to go. You selfish little girl, Carol! I made it home...sadly I don't remember if I even sincerely prayed for her safety.
When I got home, immediately I put the boots on and began the task of shoveling. There was so much snow that my car couldn't even make it fully to the garage. Earlier in the day, I had said how I love to shovel. Not yesterday though. I asked God why am I not enjoying this! Now I know.
That little crack in the armor. That attack of selfishness had hardened and dimmed the light of Jesus.
After I post this, I am going to grab myself a bottle of water, reboot...I have already been out once this morning to get hubby out since I now have a snow day and the kids are sleeping in. I heard a flock of geese, this morning at 6:00 AM, flying in the darkness of morning. It stirred in me God's awesome grace.
They are continuing on their journey. Since I could not see the flock, only hear their trumpets call in the dark, I am presuming they were in the traditional "V". Led by one as they continued on their flight.
My goal today is to think of the One, who has saved me by His gift of grace. To shake off the burden of selfishness. To reach my heart and arms upward, carrying the weight of others in prayer. To talk to God, to put my focus back on His will and not my own desires.
Now it's time to grab my i-pod and hit some CeCe and Kirk Franklin, reboot more than just my feet, but my heart. It's daylight now, a skier's delight! It's overtime money for some working to keep our roads clear, a blessing with Christmas so near. It's also time when, some, like me, just plain get scared.
Heavenly Father...forgive me, help those in need on the roads.
Your world is truly a beautiful sight to behold this morning!
Thank you again for a lesson learned. I am bowed in humbleness, but not broken.
Lord, you have made many here a hearty bunch...may those hearts turn to you and steer clear of the many dangers out there, not just on the roads, but also in the deceit that can quickly enter our minds.
Amen, Carol
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Another Thankful Thursday!
Taking a cue from another, and another, I am forcing myself to post those unusual events that led to my marriage to Joe. I thought much through the day, when my mind was not actively involved with children, how I could even approach this subject. The last time I tried, I got laughed at.
So here it comes in the form of a list.
God blessed me!!!!
Dear Father, may this list of thanks be representative of what you did and continuing to do for me and my family.
1. Thankful Joe was drunk the night we met.
Huhhh!!!! Because of this, he didn't talk a word, just smiled and nodded his head to every word I said. What can I say, it was 1979, Thanksgiving break and me and the girls were at a local disco. I thought, this guy is so different.
2. Thankful I was taking a Business Management class and Joe fit the "T" test. You know, the one where you put your assets and liabilities together. Since I was only 18 (legal drinking age at that time) his assets clearly outweighed his liabilities.
Stupid as I was, it was more important that night as I stood there blabbering along that a guy had a nice car, college degree, aspiring minor league baseball player, and he seemed to enjoy every thing I said. My girlfriend was egging me on about his specifics since she was dating his neighbor.
3. Thankful the first time I met his family was Christmas Eve. We went to the midnight service together and the incredible and unique beauty of Jesus portrayed in mosaic bewildered me. He is not on the cross, but I feel the artist wanted to portray his love for us by having him on a throne, holding the world with angels worshiping around him. It really is an amazing work of art.
It took most the service for me to realize why his eyes struck me so funny. I finally realized they were baby blue with a slight hint of bags under them (a family trait). So were Joe's. When I told this story to someone, they laughed hilariously. Well, at 18, it had an impact or I wouldn't be repeating it.
I don't feel a resemblance anymore...both have new meaning to me.
4. Thankful Carrie Underwood sang her song "Jesus Take The Wheel". About one month later, Joe got so angry with me, jealousy had set in after every weekend we were together and he drove me back to college. One night after he left, after fighting in his car I prayed to everyone I could. I laid awake for approximately 30 minutes, I hit on God to protect him, Jesus, Mary, my mother in heaven to protect him on his drive home. I didn't know why I felt such urgency to call out but I did. Approximately 90 minutes later there was a knock on my dorm room door and I was summoned to take a call from the phone on my wing. Joe was in a full blown panic attack. Somehow the wheel was taken from his hand on the drive home as he drifted to sleep. Joe is not the kind of guy to make this stuff up, much less be in a panic. The day his finger was shredded from his hand, he was the one who drove the boat in. A day we joke about now.
5. Finally, thankful I didn't realize he was proposing marriage. We were in my living room at home, just a couple weeks later and he closed the gap between us and said, "you know we could get married". "Yes we could" was my answer. We had just "rounded the bases" physically the weekend before, a first for both of us, and I did tell God I would marry this guy. I just wasn't expecting it to be so soon. It was the first time I saw him cry.
Well that's the scoop. Sorry for the graphic detail, Joe had dated many, me hardly at all, but I was headed in the wrong direction looking for acceptance. My girls know this story, why not more!
Thanks be to God!
Happy Thursday!
So here it comes in the form of a list.
God blessed me!!!!
Dear Father, may this list of thanks be representative of what you did and continuing to do for me and my family.
1. Thankful Joe was drunk the night we met.
Huhhh!!!! Because of this, he didn't talk a word, just smiled and nodded his head to every word I said. What can I say, it was 1979, Thanksgiving break and me and the girls were at a local disco. I thought, this guy is so different.
2. Thankful I was taking a Business Management class and Joe fit the "T" test. You know, the one where you put your assets and liabilities together. Since I was only 18 (legal drinking age at that time) his assets clearly outweighed his liabilities.
Stupid as I was, it was more important that night as I stood there blabbering along that a guy had a nice car, college degree, aspiring minor league baseball player, and he seemed to enjoy every thing I said. My girlfriend was egging me on about his specifics since she was dating his neighbor.
3. Thankful the first time I met his family was Christmas Eve. We went to the midnight service together and the incredible and unique beauty of Jesus portrayed in mosaic bewildered me. He is not on the cross, but I feel the artist wanted to portray his love for us by having him on a throne, holding the world with angels worshiping around him. It really is an amazing work of art.
It took most the service for me to realize why his eyes struck me so funny. I finally realized they were baby blue with a slight hint of bags under them (a family trait). So were Joe's. When I told this story to someone, they laughed hilariously. Well, at 18, it had an impact or I wouldn't be repeating it.
I don't feel a resemblance anymore...both have new meaning to me.
4. Thankful Carrie Underwood sang her song "Jesus Take The Wheel". About one month later, Joe got so angry with me, jealousy had set in after every weekend we were together and he drove me back to college. One night after he left, after fighting in his car I prayed to everyone I could. I laid awake for approximately 30 minutes, I hit on God to protect him, Jesus, Mary, my mother in heaven to protect him on his drive home. I didn't know why I felt such urgency to call out but I did. Approximately 90 minutes later there was a knock on my dorm room door and I was summoned to take a call from the phone on my wing. Joe was in a full blown panic attack. Somehow the wheel was taken from his hand on the drive home as he drifted to sleep. Joe is not the kind of guy to make this stuff up, much less be in a panic. The day his finger was shredded from his hand, he was the one who drove the boat in. A day we joke about now.
5. Finally, thankful I didn't realize he was proposing marriage. We were in my living room at home, just a couple weeks later and he closed the gap between us and said, "you know we could get married". "Yes we could" was my answer. We had just "rounded the bases" physically the weekend before, a first for both of us, and I did tell God I would marry this guy. I just wasn't expecting it to be so soon. It was the first time I saw him cry.
Well that's the scoop. Sorry for the graphic detail, Joe had dated many, me hardly at all, but I was headed in the wrong direction looking for acceptance. My girls know this story, why not more!
Thanks be to God!
Happy Thursday!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
HHHH... I forgot to title this! It's Daniel!
I am starting over, on some things.
Discontent led to my own disapproval of my actions concerning God.
Different messages these past few days made me realize that the seeds we sow are not always financial. It can be a smile, a hug, a kind word, patience, etc...
It can also be giving time to reading the Word of God and taking notes, listening to what is being said and using it to guide your thoughts and actions further to represent the body of Christ.
Sooooo.....
last night I started on the book of Daniel.
One Chapter!!!! The First chapter humbled me...I read the second but the first really stuck it to me.
In chapter one, as many know, Daniel was chosen along with others, including the youths we learned about in our own childhood; Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. I knew the story of Daniel, have read this chapter often but never took the time to notate the specifics.
What a change!
In being called to live near the king, Nebuchadnezzar, and eat from the food he provided, Daniel requested that he "not defile" himself and his friends. With the favour of God upon him, his request was granted by a king's servant. After ten days the boys partook upon beans and water and in turn were "fairer and fatter" than the rest. This diet continued thus on for them.
Hmmmm....well I say humbly that if in that position I could have easily said that favour is upon me and I deserve the things of the king because I have been separated and singled out. How easily reasoning, earthly reasoning could have won me over!
I started seeing in my mind TV shows I watch, certain foods I eat, gossip or talk that even though I might not participate in, I swallow up in my mind.
So many times I do actions that I know are pleasing to God...but that is where I need to be very careful...Daniel chose his actions based on the love he had for God. I began to realize that some of my actions in recent weeks haven't been so. Actions spurred on by true love of God and others, often come without hesitation and do not expect reward. Good and true actions are the ones that bring joy, happiness in the Spirit, not requiring payback because payment is in the love of Christ!
Sadly, I still miss the mark sometimes.
Graciously and humbly I will lean on you, Father, to remember the beginning of Daniel and sit it well upon my heart as I continue on.
Thanks be to God!
Discontent led to my own disapproval of my actions concerning God.
Different messages these past few days made me realize that the seeds we sow are not always financial. It can be a smile, a hug, a kind word, patience, etc...
It can also be giving time to reading the Word of God and taking notes, listening to what is being said and using it to guide your thoughts and actions further to represent the body of Christ.
Sooooo.....
last night I started on the book of Daniel.
One Chapter!!!! The First chapter humbled me...I read the second but the first really stuck it to me.
In chapter one, as many know, Daniel was chosen along with others, including the youths we learned about in our own childhood; Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. I knew the story of Daniel, have read this chapter often but never took the time to notate the specifics.
What a change!
In being called to live near the king, Nebuchadnezzar, and eat from the food he provided, Daniel requested that he "not defile" himself and his friends. With the favour of God upon him, his request was granted by a king's servant. After ten days the boys partook upon beans and water and in turn were "fairer and fatter" than the rest. This diet continued thus on for them.
Hmmmm....well I say humbly that if in that position I could have easily said that favour is upon me and I deserve the things of the king because I have been separated and singled out. How easily reasoning, earthly reasoning could have won me over!
I started seeing in my mind TV shows I watch, certain foods I eat, gossip or talk that even though I might not participate in, I swallow up in my mind.
So many times I do actions that I know are pleasing to God...but that is where I need to be very careful...Daniel chose his actions based on the love he had for God. I began to realize that some of my actions in recent weeks haven't been so. Actions spurred on by true love of God and others, often come without hesitation and do not expect reward. Good and true actions are the ones that bring joy, happiness in the Spirit, not requiring payback because payment is in the love of Christ!
Sadly, I still miss the mark sometimes.
Graciously and humbly I will lean on you, Father, to remember the beginning of Daniel and sit it well upon my heart as I continue on.
Thanks be to God!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Having a day off!
No school today...professional day for teachers, not me!
Thank you Father!
Lets start with a bit of praise for what has been going on.
1. Eldest daughter loves teaching 7th grade Math! Has her own classroom, wonders if the new teacher feeling will ever go away because she loves going to work now!
2. I got a new do! Short! Donated to Locks For Love! Getting compliments!
3. Lost 12 pounds...so busy!
4. Paid off three outstanding debts...no more car payments!
5. Hubby is committing to attending church with me!
6. Youngest made Merit role for first grading period!
7. And this wonderful soup we had yesterday! Hubby made it all by himself...
Arghhh!!!! I give up! Anyways the most delicious soup...go to www.startcooking.com and look up the Butternut Squash Soup recipe...video instructions included...we only added 1 Tablespoon of maple syrup instead of two!
8. What I have gained in just two chapters of reading "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" by Lysa TerKeurst.
a. My mind tends to go away from God, and directly and often incorrectly to the people I care about, instead of to God, who is the ONE who covers those I care about. Realizing I need to write more scriptures down, read more of God's Word and share that directly with Him.
b. I need more patience still....
Prov. 20:21 "Possessions gained hastily at the outset will in the end not be blessed"
Here again I sometimes get revelation internally, but cast it onto myself instead of to God. Knowledge gained through scripture and others is wasted. Seeing greater need to correct that!
c. Thus leading to renewed mindset to participate more with alone time by reading scripture, journaling after each reading, asking more of the steps I can do in God's will instead of asking direct action by Him or perceiving something that may not truly be there in His will.
"Haste makes Waste"...I have wasted too much time this past week worrying about what the future may hold. I have been feeling drained because I am weak when it comes to looking at ALL I have to praise in the present. Last night I spent that alone time with Him, writing things down...what a change it made.
So this morning my youngest and I went to see our optometrist, she is wearing contacts now (Thank you, Father!), this was a big step for her after many months of saying "I can't". We told her no JV B-ball with glasses on...either the contacts or goggles.
Then we indulged in a Bob Evans breakfast. I had warm apples on stuffed french toast...yummy...even better with a light snow falling outside!
Got me some Dollar Tree assorted locking storage containers...going to get more organization done around here...the reason being...
I need more free time,
to spend with family, friends, church, myself and the one who matters most...
God!
Psalms 94:18
"When I say, "My foot is slipping", your kindness, O Lord, sustains me."
So to end, I am swamped with things that need attending to, yet I am being sustained in good cheer, never too down to get back up. Maybe someday things will settle down so I can thoroughly be confident and patient with things like downloading videos of someone making delicious soup for a cold wintry day!
Thank you Father!
Lets start with a bit of praise for what has been going on.
1. Eldest daughter loves teaching 7th grade Math! Has her own classroom, wonders if the new teacher feeling will ever go away because she loves going to work now!
2. I got a new do! Short! Donated to Locks For Love! Getting compliments!
3. Lost 12 pounds...so busy!
4. Paid off three outstanding debts...no more car payments!
5. Hubby is committing to attending church with me!
6. Youngest made Merit role for first grading period!
7. And this wonderful soup we had yesterday! Hubby made it all by himself...
Arghhh!!!! I give up! Anyways the most delicious soup...go to www.startcooking.com and look up the Butternut Squash Soup recipe...video instructions included...we only added 1 Tablespoon of maple syrup instead of two!
8. What I have gained in just two chapters of reading "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" by Lysa TerKeurst.
a. My mind tends to go away from God, and directly and often incorrectly to the people I care about, instead of to God, who is the ONE who covers those I care about. Realizing I need to write more scriptures down, read more of God's Word and share that directly with Him.
b. I need more patience still....
Prov. 20:21 "Possessions gained hastily at the outset will in the end not be blessed"
Here again I sometimes get revelation internally, but cast it onto myself instead of to God. Knowledge gained through scripture and others is wasted. Seeing greater need to correct that!
c. Thus leading to renewed mindset to participate more with alone time by reading scripture, journaling after each reading, asking more of the steps I can do in God's will instead of asking direct action by Him or perceiving something that may not truly be there in His will.
"Haste makes Waste"...I have wasted too much time this past week worrying about what the future may hold. I have been feeling drained because I am weak when it comes to looking at ALL I have to praise in the present. Last night I spent that alone time with Him, writing things down...what a change it made.
So this morning my youngest and I went to see our optometrist, she is wearing contacts now (Thank you, Father!), this was a big step for her after many months of saying "I can't". We told her no JV B-ball with glasses on...either the contacts or goggles.
Then we indulged in a Bob Evans breakfast. I had warm apples on stuffed french toast...yummy...even better with a light snow falling outside!
Got me some Dollar Tree assorted locking storage containers...going to get more organization done around here...the reason being...
I need more free time,
to spend with family, friends, church, myself and the one who matters most...
God!
Psalms 94:18
"When I say, "My foot is slipping", your kindness, O Lord, sustains me."
So to end, I am swamped with things that need attending to, yet I am being sustained in good cheer, never too down to get back up. Maybe someday things will settle down so I can thoroughly be confident and patient with things like downloading videos of someone making delicious soup for a cold wintry day!
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